The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Thoracic disc surgery
THORACIC DISCECTOMY
A surgical procedure to repair a slipped disc
About thoracic disc surgery
The spine is formed of 24 vertebrae, 12 of which make up the central thoracic section. Similar to the lower back the intervertebral discs may be damaged by age or heavy lifting, and put pressure on the nerve next to them.
Need to know
Your consultant may recommend an endoscopic (keyhole) procedure. This minimally invasive technique can be carried out through a cut no bigger than a needle puncture, usually using local anaesthetic and sedation. It may be that your condition requires a larger cut or general anaesthetic. Your consultant will discuss this with you beforehand.
Your consultant will discuss your options and help decide the best type of procedure for you. If your operation requires general anaesthetic, your consultant will let you know how long you should avoid eating or drinking beforehand. As with any procedure, there may be some risks or side effects involved. Your consultant can discuss these with you beforehand.
Depending on the exact type of procedure you've had, you may be able to return home the same day. However you may need to stay in hospital, usually for no more than three nights. They can also let you know what to expect about returning to work and more vigorous exercise.
Our Thoracic disc surgery locations
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road SK9 1NY Wilmslow
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7HA London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients
30 Devonshire Street W1G 6PU London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
Beaufort House WD6 3BS Elstree
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.